Born in Boston but raised in Arizona, Karl Sanft is known for his authentic leadership and track record of delivering significant business growth. Starting as a store manager at K-Mart and Office Depot, Sanft moved into a corporate role with the Minnesota-based technology retailer Best Buy. Sanft continually achieved business and operational results for Best Buy over his 20-year tenure with the company, ultimately rising to Senior Vice President of U.S. Retail Operations. In this role, Sanft used his experience in sales to build a world-class operational department that drove effectiveness and best-in-class cost controls.
Sanft left Best Buy in 2019 to become Chief Operating Officer of 24-Hour Fitness. 24 Hour Fitness was a perfect fit for Sanft, given his passion for sports and exercise. Sanft is at home discussing physical fitness and ways to stay active, having a love for both football and Kenpo Karate.
In December 2021, Sanft was named the interim Chief Executive Officer of 24 Hour Fitness. In June of 2022, he was formally named President and CEO by the company’s board of directors.
As CEO, Sanft’s role is to lead the most dedicated fitness professionals in the world. A team that is focused on a mission to create a healthier, happier world.
Sanft particularly enjoys on-site gym visits, which help him connect with team members and understand the changing needs of guests and members. He continues to bring his passion for fitness to work with him daily, as he strives to deliver on 24 Hour Fitness’ promise to help members get the results they want.
In addition to his role as CEO at 24 Hour Fitness, Sanft serves on the Board of Advisors for Appriss Retail, the industry leader in retail transaction optimization solutions at the point of sale and point of return.
Aside from a brief three-year stint in Dallas, Sanft has lived in California since 1993, shortly after he graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Administration & Management. Karl and his family live in Thousand Oaks, California. Karl’s greatest joy is his family – his wife Jenny and three daughters, Ashley, Cassy, and Abby.